Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that two adolescent offenders were arraigned late Tuesday evening on various charges before Buffalo City Court Judge JaHarr Pridgen following an incident that involved a stolen vehicle earlier that day.

A 16-year-old male adolescent offender from Buffalo was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” violent felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class “E” felony
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor
• Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor

The other 16-year-old male adolescent offender from Buffalo was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class “E” felony
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor
• Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor

It is alleged that on February 2, 2021, at approximately 10:57 a.m., a patrol officer observed one of the defendant’s driving a vehicle reported stolen from Kenmore on Peter Street in the City of Buffalo. After being stopped by the officer, the driver allegedly refused to exit the vehicle and drove off at a high-rate of speed, nearly striking the officer. The Buffalo Police officer allegedly fired one shot from his weapon.

It is further alleged that the vehicle was later located on Floss Avenue where it was involved in a crash after a brief pursuit. Both teens ran from the scene. An illegal weapon was allegedly recovered in close proximity to one of the adolescent offenders when he was apprehended on Floss Avenue. The other teen was apprehended nearby on Wilkes Avenue.

The adolescent offender charged for possession of the illegal gun appeared in court Wednesday afternoon before Youth Part Judge Kevin M. Carter who set bail at $50,000, $75,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond.

The other adolescent offender was released. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Carter in Youth Part on February 16, 2021.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Danielle N. D’Abate of the DA’s Community Prosecution Unit.